Six Months into Freelancing with Kellie Studio
Dec 6, 2024
3 min read
0
13
0
I recently came across a post on LinkedIn by Creative Boom, asking seasoned freelancers to share their advice for those thinking of making the leap in 2025. It got me reflecting on my own six-month journey so far. And, to be honest, I realised I’ve already learned a thing or two, especially considering I’ve been dipping in and out of freelancing for two years now.
What Do I Wish I'd Known When I First Started Freelancing?
Quick story: I quit my full-time job and dove headfirst into freelance illustration, which was a field I was passionate about but had very little experience in. Up until then, my illustration work had mostly been part of graphic design projects, showcasing a style rather than a full body of work. Finding illustration clients and navigating new fields like book vendors was a minefield.
If I could talk to my past self, I’d say: Yes, take the leap — but maybe keep a steady income coming in while you figure things out. You’ll learn a lot about what not to do, but that’s all part of the process!
My Key Lessons So Far:
1. HAVE CONTRACTS IN PLACE. It’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. Always have a contract. Protect yourself, your work, and your business.
2. Work hard, then work harder.The amount of work that goes into freelancing, outside of the actual ‘design,’ was a bigger shock than I expected. It becomes second nature over time, but the initial grind can be overwhelming.
3. Don’t underestimate yourself.There’s no room for self-doubt. If you’re lacking confidence, you better find some quickly because you’ll face rejection 10 times before landing a yes. If you let self-doubt take over, everything will slow down. Running your business means working hard on yourself as much as on your craft.
That said, make space for mistakes, lack of planning, naivety, and trial and error. These bumps along the way are what ultimately shape your routine, streamline your process, and help you understand how you work best.
Tips for Setting Rates, Finding Clients, and Managing the Freelance Life
Rates: I set a day rate I was comfortable with, and each year I adjust it based on the same percentage increases as wages. As your experience and value grow, your rates should too.
Finding Clients:A lot of it comes down to luck and timing — being in the right place at the right time. But there’s also a way to increase those chances: the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you’ll be in that sweet spot when opportunity knocks.
Biggest Mistakes & What I Learned
My two biggest mistakes are actually the reasons I’m where I am today:
Leaving my job with no backup plan.
I made the leap without anything lined up except for passion and creativity. It forced me to confront my organisation mistakes, self-doubt, and lack of confidence. But it was exactly what I needed to do to come back stronger. The second time around, I had more confidence, a plan, and a deep trust in myself.
Big jobs need contracts.
There’s no mistake like a financial mistake! And boy, did I find this the hard way. But I’m grateful for it. If I hadn’t learned that lesson, I wouldn’t have had the courage to take the second leap into Kellie Studio. This time, I was prepared — I had backup plans (A, B, C... maybe even D!). I trusted that life would land me where I needed to be, and it worked out exactly as it should.
Final Tips for Anyone Considering Freelance or Starting Their Own Business
Create space for mistakes and learning — You’re human, not a machine.
Work hard. Then work harder.
Grow as you grow your business.
Everything will happen exactly as it’s meant to.
Don’t be afraid.
Personally, freelancing has been everything I needed. I can switch up my routine and environment to fuel my creativity. I’ve rediscovered my love for design, and the experience I’ve gained along the way has been invaluable.
It’s definitely the hardest work I’ve done in my career so far, but it’s also the most validating and exciting — the highs and lows of being your own boss are worth every challenge.
